LeRoy Watson

1947 - 2014

WATSON, LeROY A. LeRoy A. Watson, 66, suddenly entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 16th, 2014, to be with his Almighty Father and his beloved wife Yvonne. Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on November 23, 1947, he was the son of the late Paul and Josephine Watson of North Carolina. As a youngster, he attended Bridgeport Catholic Schools and was a 1966 graduate of Notre Dame High School of Bridgeport, CT. On July 19th, 1968 he married the love of his life, Yvonne Cooper of Meriden, CT and from this union they were blessed with two children, Lavone and Jayme. A proud alumnae of Hampton Institute, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree and later received a Master of Science Degree from Southern Connecticut State University. LeRoy enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. Upon honorable discharge from the army, he returned to Meriden and began his career in the insurance industry and the Meriden Community Action Agency, before retiring from the State of CT, Division of Special Revenue. A longtime parishioner at St. Joseph Church, LeRoy devoted many years to his community. He was President of the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP and the Inner City Athletic Association. He was also involved with the Police Athletic League, The Fraternal Brotherhood of Gamma Epsilon Theta, Inc., and a proud member of The Chi Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, The East Rock Lodge #141, The Knights of Columbus, and many others too numerous to mention. Left to carry on his legacy are his daughter Lavone, his son Jayme and daughter-in law Marie, two loving grandchildren whom he adored, Mekhi and Aaliyah, all of Meriden; a sister Nicola and brother-in-law Reggie Joe of Raliegh, NC; a niece, whom he cherished very much, Jacqui Hugee and her husband Byron of Blue Bell, PA; a dear friend, Lamont Aheart of Vernon, CT. LeRoy also leaves an Aunt Elaine Harris of Delaware, his mother-in-law Dorothy Cooper, sister–in-law Janice Cooper Melvin, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, honorary children and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his beautiful wife, Yvonne Cooper Watson. Leroy was a charismatic man, blessed with the gift of conversation and an exceptional sense of humor. He lit up a room with his smile and love for people. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. The family would like to thank the Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and East Rock Lodge #141 for their support during this difficult time. Calling hours will be held at St. Joseph Church on Monday, Feb. 24 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 22 Goodwill Ave., Meriden. Burial with Military Honors will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the LeRoy and Yvonne Watson Memorial Scholarship at St. Joseph School, 159 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.jferryfh.com